Publisher: Hyperion Book CH
Publish Date: March 2nd, 2010
Source: Borrowed
Goodreads

Rating: 3/5 Broomsticks

Synopsis: Three years ago, Sophie Mercer discovered that she was a witch. It’s gotten her into a few scrapes. One of which gets her sent to Hex Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward Prodigium, a.k.a. witches, faeries, and shapeshifters.Worse, Sophie soon learns that a mysterious predator has been attacking students, and her only friend is the number-one suspect.

As a series of blood-curdling mysteries starts to converge, Sophie prepares for the biggest threat of all: an ancient secret society determined to destroy all Prodigium, especially her.

Review: One review I’ve read on this book described it as chick-lit Harry Potter, and I think that’s about right but I think a better description might be a poor mans House of Night. Not that this is a bad book by any stretch, I just found it a bit simple for my taste. The plot itself is enjoyable (if a bit predictable), and this is definitely an easy read I just felt like a little more time needed to be spent on world and character building.

The whole book seemed like it was tailor made to cash in on a lot of the trends in young adult right now. That doesn’t mean it’s not a fun, action-filled romp though. And one thing I can really credit this book on is genuinely being a young adult novel. Some books in this genre feel as though they’re adult books, revamped to cash in on a growing younger market. This genuinely seems like it was written to be enjoyed by a younger audience (but not too the point of being over simplified or insulting).

One character that did intrigue me is Cal, the hunky grounds keeper and I’m hoping he’ll be a future love interest for Sophie.

Anyways, the HON comparison is one that I think needs to be addressed. There were just too many likeness for my, well, liking. SPOILERS- The Elodie/Aphrodite character, the bitchy girl who ends up being the main characters friend-ish. Archer/Eric, the bitchy girls boyfriend who ends up with the main character instead. There are even some Stevie Rae/Jenna comparisons that can be but it’s a bit more of a stretch, but not much.

Overall, was it worth the read? Yes. Will I be reading the next one? Probably not.

Buy Hex Hall
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Second Opinions:
@Julie’s Blog 
@Wicked Awesome Books
@Blogging for YA